Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Primate Behavior
Committee Chair
Dr. Kara Gabriel
Second Committee Member
Dr. Mary Radeke
Third Committee Member
Dr. Jessica Mayhew
Abstract
Modern technological advancements have created new ways for zoos and aquariums to achieve their goals. Webcams are a valuable tool for connecting with the public. To understand the current landscape of webcams in the United States, this research investigated the websites of all zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), as of March 2024. Of these 226 institutions, 61 had active live webcams. This thesis also explored staff perspectives on webcams by surveying the same AZA accredited institutions. Fifty-six responses were collected across 15 unique institutions. Respondents were asked about their general use of webcams; Likert scale-based questions concerning benefits, limitations, and future webcam use; qualitative, open-ended questions about webcam use; and respondent and institution demographics. Principal component analysis conducted on Likert scale responses to items on the benefits and limitations of webcams revealed the presence of four distinct components: Community facing benefits of webcams, costs of webcams to the provider, animal behavior, and environmental complications. In addition, 11 themes were identified among responses to the short qualitative questions concerning the limitations and benefits of webcams. Among these themes, a lack of access to a reliable Wi-Fi connection was frequently mentioned as a prohibiting factor to the use of webcams. A frequently discussed benefit of webcams was the remote monitoring of animal health and behavior. Three longer qualitative questions were also explored using content analysis which revealed themes relating to the popularity of different species, future uses of technology in zoos, and facets of webcam use that have been previously missing from the research literature. From these findings, it appears that while there are factors stopping the implementation of webcams for some institutions, many find the benefits to be worth the cost.
Recommended Citation
Joseph, Audrey S., "Webcams at Zoos and Aquariums in the United States: Perceptions of Their Function and Utility by Staff" (2025). All Master's Theses. 2127.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/2127